A Ribbon Strand: Raised Hackura

A Day To Celebrate Pt. 2

        My dad laughed. I shrugged, “Some of the books on the first floor were in Latin. I had to learn all the words.” Bjourn said, “We did always wonder why she talked so early and could switch between languages.” My dad said, “So we did. Princess, I think you and I need to have weekly conversations about what you know and what you can do.” I said, “Can we have them on the beach?” My dad laughed, “I’ll have chairs put out here for us. Right outside the castle.” I clapped, “That’s my favorite place! I love the smell of the ocean.” Bjourn said, “We have noticed that about you.” I smiled and popped back onto Pirate. I said, “Race you!” Both quickly got on their horses. I waited until they were ready. Bjourn snorted, “We didn’t have to rush. She wasn’t going to leave.” I said, “Well, that wouldn’t be a fair race!” My dad laughed, “Ahhh there’s my Princesses’ fairy side.” Bjourn laughed, “Right. The race had to be fair.” 

        I smiled. I leaned down to Pirate’s ear, “Run Pirate!” He took off like a shot. I pushed my earth side forward letting him know to run as if he were free. We easily beat my dad and Bjourn back. Marcus and Drake were waiting outside the stables. Drake said, “Did you take off without them?” I popped beside Pirate. I said, “No, it was a race. I won.” Marcus said, “Bjourn doesn’t let people win.” I petted Pirate’s face. I conjured a bucket of oats, water, and two sugar cubes. Pirate neighed and took the sugar cubes before bending his head down into his oats. My dad got off his horse. Bjourn said, “Since when is Pirate that f*****g fast?” I said, “I told you...my earth side can communicate with animals. I let Pirate know I wanted him to run like he was free.” Bjourn said, “Can you do that to my horse too?” I nodded. I conjured their horses' food and water too. I snapped and got all but the bridle off Bjourn’s horse. I sighed, “Darn it!” My dad said, “Princess…. that’s very impressive.” I pursued my lips. I said, “I’ll get better. Next time I’ll get all of their tack off in one try.” Drake said, “What is happening? I mean…. Haley things aside for a moment…. Harper and Gunner got a call, and both took off. Then mom left as if her hair was on fire. I saw grandma and Grandpa running around. Then Uncle Zader came running by. Miley’s mom came and scooped her up. ALL our cousins ran by with Aunt Rashe running after Uncle Zader.” My dad said, “Your sister can heal things.” Marcus said, “I know. She practiced on a cut I had. Healers in Faerie can do things like that.” 

        I said, “I’m WAY better than them! Aiden said so.” Bjourn said, “Aiden says A LOT of things guys.” I laughed, “He says that about you guys too. It annoys him.” Bjourn said, “Oh does it?” I nodded, “He had me hold a sword the other day. I told him Bjourn said to hold it this way. Aiden studied my hold and said a bad word. He doesn’t say many of those often.” Bjourn laughed. Marcus said, “Since when does she know how Bjourn tells people to hold a sword?” My dad said, “We have not been specific enough with our little fairy. She has her loopholes.” Marcus snorted. Drake said, “Anyway…. the running around….is because of?” My dad said, “Your little sister could sense a darkness in your grandparents and Gunner’s parents.” Marcus’ eyes narrowed. He said, “No way.” I said, “Yes way! No more darkness! My fairy side does not like it. I didn’t like sensing darkness in them. It made them sad, and everyone else sad. Now grandpa can build sandcastles with me and play ball with Logan.” Bjourn said, “That’s what she said on the beach. Gunner’s dad was apparently the worst.” Marcus said, “She can sense that?” Bjourn nodded. Marcus turned to me, “Whose was next in terms of darkness?” I said, “Grandpa’s then Grandma’s then Gunner’s mom.” 

                Gunner came running up to us with Harper right behind him. He picked me up and spun me around. He was sobbing, but I didn’t feel any sorrow coming from him. I said, “Gunner?” He squeezed me harder. He said, “You…. are least fairy like fairy I have ever met. That’s the highest compliment. Haley, I can never thank you enough! You gave them back to me. My dad was dying and now he’s fine! He’s healed! Stage four and now it’s just gone…. When did you even do that?” I said, “Last night.” Gunner was crying. Harper said, “We got the all clear and he just took off.” My dad said, “It’s understandable…. had your grandparents’ results come in….” Harper said, “Gunner’s parents got in first. They are running the tests now on grandma and grandpa.” I said, “What tests? The darkness is gone. I promise.” My dad said, “We believe you princess.” I searched our connection. He did believe me. Gunner put me down. Calista came running up and slammed into Gunner hugging him tightly. She said, “The war god answered our prayers, Gunner. They are going to be fine.” Harper picked me up and spun me around. He said, “You are something, little sister.” I said, “Something? I’m a partial fairy Hackura Harper…. you know that.” Harper laughed, “You’re so literal.” I said, “You are very happy. Everyone is happy.” Mom ran up with tears in her eyes.

            I said, “Is mom happy…. even though she’s crying? Her sorrow isn’t calling out to me.” She hugged my dad. She said, “They are perfectly fine Titus.” My dad had more tears streaming down his face. My grandparents ran up. I popped into my grandpa’s arms, “We can build sandcastles now, right? You won’t be too tired.” He cried into my neck, “Yes, you sweet girl. We can build sandcastles again.” Grandma ripped me out of his arms and held me tight. Miley came running up. She said, “You really did it! You even got so fast! Grandmas only took one session! Harper’s dad too! Grandpa took you the longest.” I said, “I’d never healed it before grandpa. According to the book Aiden gave me, that's what takes the longest. The first time. Then my light can realize how to heal faster. Apparently if I didn’t fully accept myself, it could take longer, but…. I have no idea why I wouldn’t accept my fairy side. It’s so cool!” Miley said, “So cool!” A voice from behind us said, “I think we need to have a chat inside.” I turned. I smiled and popped, “Hi Aiden!” He said, “Hello little sister. Happy Birthday.” I smiled, “Where’s Lucinda?” Aiden said, “She’s coming later. You healed her too, didn't you?” I said, “Ummmm….” Aiden said, “You did. She couldn’t get pregnant. We had no idea why. Then after coming to see you for a lesson…. she’s pregnant. You healed her.” I said, “She took a nap here after our lesson together…. I just wanted to help her. She was so sad. Her sorrow called to me.” Aiden laughed, “You sent her into back to back concupiscence’s little sister. I couldn’t be mad at you if I wanted to.” I smiled, “You’re not mad?” Aiden said, “No, you are a much stronger healer than I even originally suspected which was already far stronger than any in Faerie.”

        I smiled, “I’m special. You said so.” Aiden said, “You are Haley. You are very special. You are Pure of Heart.” I smiled. Aiden said, “We should all go inside.” I popped Aiden and I inside. He smiled, “You did all this?” I nodded, “I practiced just like you said. Is Arion coming?” Aiden nodded, “Yes, he’s consoling mother. She wants to come.” I said, “No.” Aiden said, “She’s not coming, I promise.” I smiled brightly. A fairy could not break a promise. My family walked in. Aiden said, “I’m going to talk to your dad, ok?” I said, “Ok…. where’s Bex, Auntie Fae and Uncle Arthur? I found him in a history book here! He’s so cool!” Aiden laughed, “They should be here any minute.” Aiden left with my dad. Grandpa and Uncle Zader walked passed to join them Aiden and dad. Bjourn winked at me then followed our dad. Marcus, Drake and Histeck left with them too. I heard a pop. I popped into my Uncle Arthur’s arms. I said, “Hello Uncle Sir Arthur! Is Breanna coming today?” My Uncle laughed, “Breanna and Ian should be popping in later, lass. Breanna couldn’t decide on a present for you. What’s this Sir business?” I said, “I found you in a history book here, Uncle Arthur. It said you were a sir. I read some of your books! No wonder you tell the bestest bedtime stories! I love the mysteries you wrote! Sherlock and Watson! I told Miley that Fairy hijinks were afoot today!” My Uncle Arthur laughed, “I’m sure they were.” I popped to my Aunt. I said, “Hi Auntie Fae! IT’S MY BIRTHDAY!” She laughed, “I know dear girl. We wouldn’t have missed it for the world. I had to have my invitation in hand to get us all popped in. I’ll have to text Breanna; she’ll need hers when she comes with Ian.” I smiled, “I’m so glad you came today.” I whispered, “Daddy is thinking about letting me go to Emmaline’s party this year.” Aunt Fae whispered back, “It’s a beautiful place. You’ll love it.”

            I popped in front of Bex. I smiled, “Hi Bex! I’ve been working on my sky powers! I called the wind today to splash my dad and brother.” Bex smiled, “That’s great cousin! What can you tell me about that hunka hunk back there? Is he taken?” I turned and saw Cason. I shook my head, “He’s free. He’s weird though. He stares a lot.” Bex laughed, “Oh…. I don’t want to date him, little cousin.” She popped over to Cason. I shrugged. I popped to Miley, “What does she want to do then?” Miley laughed, “f**k him.” I said, “Oh…. I would’ve pointed out someone else for that.” Miley and I giggled. Uncle Arthur’s voice made me jump. He said, “Why would you have pointed out someone else for Bexley?” I said, “Oh...well…. the girls here say Cason isn’t a generous lover.” Uncle Arthur started laughing, “I forget how open the Hackura are. It’s very refreshing in this realm. Have you visited other realms yet, lass?” I shook my head, “No…. daddy said he’s not ready for that yet.” Uncle Arthur said, “I imagine he’s not.” Auntie Fae popped over, “None of that today, my love. It’s our niece’s birthday.” I asked, “How’s Robert? He didn’t come?” Uncle Arthur said, “He couldn’t get away, lass. He’s very sorry. He sent his gift with us.” I sighed, “Ok.” I heard another pop. I turned and smiled, “ARION!” I popped into his arms. He hugged me. He said, “Hello little sister.” I said, “Hi Arion! You came!” Arion said, “Of course I am came. It’s your birthday.” I whispered, “There’s a girl who really wants to meet you. She’s seen you pop in for training with me. She thinks you’re sexy.” 

        Arion laughed, “Oh yeah? Where is she?” I popped him to the stables. I said, “Aristella. This is my big brother, Arion. Arion, this is Aristella. Make it back for present time please, big brother.” Arion laughed and I popped away. Miley sighed, “I don’t know why you love that asshole.” I said, “Arion’s my brother.” Miley said, “You have so many of those. All of them are better than him. Hell, all of my brothers are better brothers to you than him.” I frowned, “That’s not true. Arion helps me a lot. He’s just a little jealous sometimes. He likes me though. Bjourn promises Arion does love me. He said it’s just in the fairy way. I’ll have to ask Aiden for more books. I have not read about how fairy’s love is different.” Uncle Arthur said, “Oh lass. Fairies are just inherently selfish. Typically. You and my family are different. It’s not bad. It’s very good. It’s just…. fairies tend to care about themselves above all.” I felt anger in all my connection with my brothers and dad who’d left to talk to Aiden. I was about to pop to them when I heard a squeal. I turned, “EMMALINE!” She popped to me and hugged me. She’d brought Lexi and Katie. I smiled, “Lexi!” She hugged me. She said, “This room is very pink. I assume it was your doing?” I laughed, “I love it! Come on guys! I need to get in my party outfit!” I grabbed all their hands and popped to my room. I snapped into my dress. It was pink tulle. It had two straps and a tutu that made it short in front and long in back.

            Emmaline clapped, “Me next! You pick the best party dresses!” I snapped Emmaline into a short blue dress with jewels on it and some tulle at the bottom. She twirled, “I love it!” She threw herself at me in a hug. Katie said, “Where’s Logan?” I smiled. Emmaline gasped. I turned, “What?” Emmaline said, “I just….” My eyes went wide. She’s just started understanding how to use her soul searching power for mates. Katie said, “What?” I squealed and popped to Logan and popped back. Logan said, “Ok…little sis…. what gives?” Emmaline blurted, “You’re mates! You and Katie.” Logan smirked, “Oh yeah?” Emmaline nodded. Katie blushed. Logan held out his hand, “Why don’t I give you a tour of our realm?” She nodded shyly. They left. I squealed, “Your first mate couple! That’s so exciting!” Emmaline blushed, “I didn't realize it would just hit me like that. When she said where’s Logan…. I just knew.” I clapped. Miley said, “My turn for the fairy dress!” I snapped Miley into a Red and Gold short dress. It had a bow. Miley loved bows. She twirled, “I love it! Come on Lex! You are next.” Lexi smiled, “Hit me little fairy sister!” I giggled. She always called me that. The four of us were like sisters. I snapped Lexi into a black dress that was short in the front long in the back like mine. With sheer sleeves. Lexi LOVED sheer sleeves. She smiled, “You’re just good!” I clapped. Everyone was happy. I said, “Let’s make an entrance!” Emmaline laughed, “What do you have in mind?” I said, “Well…. let’s pop into a bubble that Emmaline makes!” Emmaline blushed. Lexi said, “Love the plan. The bubble doesn’t pop right?” Emmaline said, “Not until we are on the ground.” Emmaline closed her eyes and focused. She grabbed my hand and I grabbed Miley’s who grabbed Lexi.

        We popped into the bubble that was on the ceiling in the main room. Mom gasped, “Oh my god! GIRLS! I swear those girls are out to scare the life out of me!” I giggled, “We are fine mom!” Emmaline lowered us to the ground then the bubble popped. Bex clapped loudly. I was surprised she was back already. She popped over to us, “Emmaline! That was so good! I LOVE the dresses. Who conjured them?” I blushed, “Me.” Bexley said, “Well done.” I said, “Why are you already back?” Bex sighed, “Oh...that was a disappointing encounter.” I pointed over to the corner, “You see that guy, over there?” She nodded. I said, “That Aaron. He’ll be the commander of our armies one day. He’s on an off period with his mate, and everyone says…. he’s amazing to be with. I also practice my truth power on him. He thinks you’re pretty.” Bex kissed my cheek. She said, “I do so love you little cousin. Have you told Aiden you practiced yet?” I shook my head. She laughed and popped to Aaron. Emmaline whispered, “Have you told them about the truth thing yet?” I whispered, “Not yet. I wasn’t sure Aiden was right. He’s never sure what I can do…. he seemed so certain about that one. I think he’s right.” Uncle Arthur said, “You know...no matter how low you all whisper…. I can still hear what you say.” I flushed, “Can you keep that a secret please?” Uncle Arthur said, “Lass, that’s not a secret you’re going to keep long, is it?” I shook my head, “No, I was going to tell daddy later. I just found out the other day that I can really do it.” Benjamin asked, “Really do what?” I whirled around. I said, “Can we talk about that later? After my party?” Benjamin said, “Right after your party?” I nodded. Benjamin said, “Ok then.” 

        Breanna and Ian popped in. I squealed, “Hi cousins!” Breanna laughed, “Hello little cousin. You look amazing.” Ian said, “You look very pretty, cousin.” I asked, “Thanks! Did you know your dad wrote about a detective named Sherlock?” Breanna laughed, “I did. How did you know that?” I said, “Oh...I found a book that had his name in the library. Then I found the books.” Breanna said, “You’re a little young for those books.” I shrugged. Breanna laughed. I said, “My daddy gave me a horse for my birthday!” Breanna said, “He did? How nice of him.” I said, “He’s very pretty!” Aiden came back in, “Cousin.” Breanna said, “Cousin Aiden….it has been too long.” Aiden smiled, “Come home sometime Breanna. I know a certain someone who’d love to see you.” Breanna laughed, “How is Fegle?” Aiden laughed, “Missing your sparkling personality.” Breanna sighed, “If only he was my mate. I’ll have to come see him. I do miss him.” Aiden winked. He said, “Little sister. I have to go. There’s an urgent matter in Faerie. Could you open my present for you now?” I smiled, “I’ll miss you big brother.” Aiden said, “I’ll see you tomorrow.” I clapped, “YAY!” He handed me a present. I opened the box. I gasped. It was the toy Emmaline always talked about. A yellow unicorn. Everyone who was anyone had one in Faerie according to Emmaline.

        I popped into Aiden’s arms. I said, “Thank you Aiden. I love it.” Aiden smiled, “The toy is a representation. We had a unicorn born the other day. She’s pink and sparkly. She’s yours.” My eyes widened and I shouted, “A UNICORN? I GET A UNICORN!” Aiden laughed, “We will work on creating you a sanctuary here. Pinky can come live here with you. I’ll have to pick another unicorn for her to play with here, and some spritles.” I gaped, “We could catch a spritle together? Here?” Aiden nodded, “Yes little sister. I’ll have you know. I’m quite good at catching spritles.” I squealed and hugged him. I said, “Thank you brother.” He hugged me tightly. He said, “I love you, Haley. Happy Birthday.” I said, “Thank you, big brother.” Aiden set me down and popped away. Mom said, “Let’s start opening your other presents, princess.” I smiled, “Ok!” I loved everything. Arion popped in almost at the end and handed me a present. I smiled at him. I opened the present. Arion had gotten me a stuffed pink rabbit. He said, “You’ll hear the waters of the Faerie when you hold the rabbit close.” I held it close and heard a melodic stream. I said, “Wow…. Thank you, Arion!” He smiled and popped to me. He gave me a hug, “I have to go help our big brother. I’ll see you soon.” I nodded, “Thanks for coming.” Arion nodded and popped away. Marcus bought me a book about werewolves. I said, “This is fiction.” Marcus nodded. I frowned, “But werewolves are real. I want to read about the real ones.” Marcus smiled, “That they are. You could start with this fictional one first.” I said, “Ok…” I read the back. It was about a wolf named Eric. I smiled. I loved the name. 

        My other brothers got me jewelry. Emmaline got me a turtle. Lexi had gotten me a custom pink dagger. I smiled, “This is perfect.” She smiled, “I thought you would like it.” Lexi, Emmaline, and Miley were spending the night in my wing tonight. So they stayed back when everyone else left. I conjured thank you notes for everything. Thinking of what I wanted them to say. I opened my eyes and smiled. I checked them. They all had my notes. Marcus said, “Little one…. since when can you do this?” I said, “Oh...Aiden gave me a list of things to try today. This was one of them.” Marcus was upset. I frowned and said, “You’re mad…. why?” Marcus said, “Your brother told us some things today he hadn’t previously. I’m not mad at you. I’m mad at him.” I whispered, “Why?” Marcus stroked my hair, “One day, we’ll tell you. Right now…. little sister…. you get to be a kid. You get to do little kids things and learn how to fight like us, and how to use your powers.” I said, “Ok, I need to talk to dad about that.” Emmaline said, “I’ll pop the girls upstairs.” I snapped. I smiled, “Your pajamas are on my bed.” Emmaline clapped, “Best cousin ever!” She whispered, “I told dad you were my favorite cousin.” I giggled, “You are my favorite fairy cousin, but you’re more like a sister.” Emmaline’s eyes filled with tears. She fanned her face. She popped away with the girls. Marcus said, “You guys are the most well read and well spoken group of five-year-old’s to ever walk the planet.” I said, “Emmaline isn’t five yet, and Lexi is six.” Marcus said, “Right. My bad.” I smiled, “It’s ok.” Marcus laughed.

        We walked into my dad’s office. He was there with my Uncle Zader, mom, and Bjourn. Marcus said, “Haley wanted to say something before she continued her sleepover with the girls.” I smiled. My dad patted his lap. I popped onto his lap. He put his arms around me. He said, “What is it Princess?” I said, “Oh, well…. I can do this thing…. it’s rare.” Bjourn said, “How many rare things can you do?” I said, “Super rare? Two….my healing ability and... I can make people tell me the truth.” My dad stilled, “What do you mean?” I looked at Bjourn, “Where did you go last week?” I filtered out his deceit and focused on the truth. Bjourn looked into my eyes, “I went to the earthly realm to kill the leader of a drug ring.” My dad stilled. Marcus hit Bjourn. I said, “Like that. I filtered out his deceit and focused on the truth. I can make people tell me the truth if I want.” My dad said, “Guys...give us a minute.” Everyone left but Bjourn. My dad looked at him. Bjourn knelt down with tears in his eyes. He said, “Please don’t be afraid of me Haley.” I said, “Why would I be afraid of you? You’re my big brother. You’re my Bjourn.” Bjourn hugged me tightly. He whispered, “You never cease to amaze little sister. I love you, Haley. So much.” I said, “I love you too. I’d never be scared of you Bjourn. I’d never be scared of any of you.” He squeezed me tight and walked out.

        My dad said, “He was very worried he’d scared you.” I said, “I know what we are dad. I know what our race does. I read all about it.” My dad said, “Did it ever scare you?” I shook my head, “Not you guys.” My dad said, “What scares you?” I said, “People won’t like us. Bad people don’t like it when good people shine a light on them. I’m scared they will hurt you. Uncle Zader had something placed on him to keep him here…. he hated it. Emmaline said he loathed himself. I would hate for any of you to feel that way.” My dad startled, “Your Uncle hated that he didn’t want to leave?” I nodded, “That’s what Emmaline said. She said he felt like a coward and he hated it.”